5 Ways To Stop Procrastinating
Let’s face it, many of us are procrastinators. Here are 5 obvious ways to stop procrastinating that we forget when we are in the thick of things.
We have the unique capability of creating stress for ourselves through delaying the inevitable. We could have acquired this skill set from our upbringing, our own DNA, or as a compensatory way of dealing with unrealistic deadlines at school or work. Some folks have developed ways to use this “technique" to their advantage. Is the undue stress of inevitability worth courting into our lives? My gut says no. Here are 5 ways to stop this habit right away.
5 ways to stop procrastinating right away.
Stop waiting for perfection - It is the details that can get us sometimes. Depending on the application, it is ok to launch a product, try a new fitness program, or make the first move on an idea without having every detail sorted out. If you wait in the shadows of perfection, you may never see the light.
Break your larger goals into smaller goals - A great way to move a mountain is to start by moving just one rock. As humans with very capable brains, we easily get caught up in how much effort it would take to accomplish a project or goal. Take a couple of small steps in any direction to get moving. You can always recalibrate and adjust course along the way.
Change of environment - Do you study or work at a place where you are in the thick of conversations, meetings or distractions? Well, maybe it is time to find and create some alternate spaces to increase your productivity and creativity. Get out of that Starbucks and go plan at a park. If you work from home and have to deal with distractions, find an alternative location to work at home or get out completely. With a little creativity you may be able to find a solution that works just for you.
Do the hardest things first - This may be the exact reason we procrastinate. We have a tendency to avoid those calls, decisions to finish writing that paper or doing the accounting for our business that we have let slide. We can pat ourselves on the back all day for checking off our to-do list items though. Move the needle by tackling your toughest tasks first. This action will set the tone for the rest of your day.
Remove distractions - The only way to do this is to take a tally of where you are spending your time. The big areas of distraction in our ultra connected lives come from our phones and internet access. (I mean, the whole world is at our finger tips right?) I have found that scheduling my distractions really helps me focus on what is important. Set times to check your email. Don’t jump on your phone before you hop out of bed and let someone else dictate your morning. Small changes can pay huge dividends.
These 5 tips can get your productivity moving in the right direction. Removing procrastination also removes stress and anxiety. Who would like less stress and anxiety?
